The Effect of Yellow Journalism on the Spanish-American War

Summary: Essay explains how yellow journalism was the cause of the Spanish-American War.

Tabloids and newspapers have been our sources for up to date events in the world for centuries. But at times the stories and events retold by the newspaper can be exaggerated or falsified. These falsifications and exaggerations can lead to political tensions that can escalate to war. This was the case in the 1890's with William Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer in regards to the Spanish American War which is strikingly similar to the case today in regards to the War on Terrorism. The mistakes of the past seem to be repeating themselves.

William Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer were publishers battling for sales. Their companies were not doing great and they decided to use the Cuban rebellion to their advantage. They began practicing "yellow journalism", a technique designed to exploit the current situation. William Hearst published claims of Spanish aggression towards the United States when he published an article...